The potential of monoclonal antibodies for colorectal cancer therapy.

Conventional chemotherapy has significant limitations for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, especially those who have developed metastatic recurrence CRC. A growing number of studies have investigated the potential use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for CRC therapy. mAbs showing clinical benefits for CRC, making the treatment more selective with lower side effects without significant immunogenicity. In addition, recent advancements in antibody engineering strategies and the development of bifunctional or even trifunctional drugs have helped to overcome heterogeneity as the main challenge in cancer treatment. The current review discusses advances in applying mAbs for CRC therapy alone, combined, or with small molecules.

What we know about fatigue self-management programs for people living with chronic conditions: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The significant impact of fatigue on the lives of patients with chronic conditions has demanded a response. One response has been the development and testing of self-management programs. Little is known about what these programs have in common or how they differ. This scoping review compared the key components of fatigue self-management programs. METHODS: Scoping review methodology was employed. Databases of CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Medline were searched to identify relevant sources. RESULTS: Included fatigue programs were compared using a three-component framework: 1) self-management strategies; 2) active patient participation; and 3) self-management support. Although all programs included some aspects of these components, the extent varied with only a few domains of these components found across all programs. CONCLUSION: The three self-management components employed in this study showed potential benefits in identifying similarities and differences across fatigue programs with comparable and distinct underlying theories. This three-component framework could facilitate identification of domains associated with positive outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is essential that authors of programs provide detailed descriptions to enable inter-program comparison. The three-component framework chosen for this review was capable of describing and comparing fatigue self-management programs, paving the way for more effective interventions.

Managing Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background. Fatigue is a disabling symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Managing Fatigue: A Six-Week Energy Conservation Intervention was developed to improve the occupational performance of people with fatigue. Efficacy of this program has not been established in PD. Purpose. This study will assess feasibility of the Managing Fatigue: Individual Program (MFIP) delivered via videoconference, the Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) protocol, and the preliminary effectiveness of the MFIP. Methods. A mixed-methods approach nested in a pilot RCT, randomizing 54 participants 1:1 to usual care or MFIP arms, will be employed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of MFIP. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected simultaneously. Implications. Results will identify evidence for establishing protocol requirements for a full-scale RCT. Knowledge of the effectiveness of the one-to-one videoconference delivery format of the program has the potential to enhance the accessibility and the quality of care of the PD population.

What we know about the purpose, theoretical foundation, scope and dimensionality of existing self-management measurement tools: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: To identify self-report, self-management measures for adults with chronic conditions, and describe their purpose, theoretical foundation, dimensionality (multi versus uni), and scope (generic versus condition specific). METHODS: A search of four databases (8479 articles) resulted in a scoping review of 28 self-management measures. RESULTS: Although authors identified tools as measures of self-management, wide variation in constructs measured, purpose, and theoretical foundations existed. Subscales on 13 multidimensional tools collectively measure domains of self-management relevant to clients, however no one tool's subscales cover all domains. CONCLUSIONS: Viewing self-management as a complex, multidimensional whole, demonstrated that existing measures assess different, related aspects of self-management. Activities and social roles, though important to patients, are rarely measured. Measures with capacity to quantify and distinguish aspects of self-management may promote tailored patient care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In selecting tools for research or assessment, the reason for development, definitions, and theories underpinning the measure should be scrutinized. Our ability to measure self-management must be rigorously mapped to provide comprehensive and system-wide care for clients with chronic conditions. Viewing self-management as a complex whole will help practitioners to understand the patient perspective and their contribution in supporting each individual patient.